The Daily Star Sunday says whether it ends up being a world record fee depends on Spurs â€“ who have received TWO offers from the Spanish giants for the Welshman. Real are willing to pay Â£78m in one lump sum or Â£85m in instalments, with only Â£20m of that up front and the rest paid over the next three years.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the worldâ€™s most expensive player when Madrid spent Â£80m to sign him from Manchester United in 2009, but that was all paid immediately in one go.

Real are keen to make sure they donâ€™t overpay for Bale, who will sign a six-year deal worth Â£8m a year which ensures Ronaldo remains the clubâ€™s best-paid player.

Both sides have agreed to wait until Spurs have completed their own moves in the transfer market before making it official.